If your teeth are showing visible signs of wear and tear, you may feel like it’s time to focus more on keeping your smile healthy. The good news is that there are many ways to improve your dental health. And there’s no reason not to smile when you can take these six simple steps to care for your oral health with the support of a dentist in Georgetown, TX.
1. Focus on eating healthy
You are what you eat, and indulging in too many sweets in Georgetown’s Town Square may take a toll on your teeth. While sweets and acidic drinks such as soda and fruit juice may taste good, they’re not ideal to have daily. Opting for healthier menu options, including those with more vegetables and whole foods, may help improve oral health.
2. Drink more water
Drinking more water can be one of the simplest ways to elevate your oral health. Aim to increase your water intake each day to help clean your mouth, flush out potentially harmful bacteria, and keep staining to a minimum.
3. Quit smoking and other damaging habits
It’s well known that smoking tobacco can yellow your teeth, but it can also cause bad breath and be a precursor to gum disease or even oral cancer. Stopping smoking can improve not only your dental but overall health. Other habits like nail biting, brushing too hard, or clenching and grinding could also negatively impact your teeth. If you think you may have bad oral habits, whether consciously or unconsciously, your dentist may be able to identify any potential concerns with a routine exam.
4. Don’t wait to schedule dental procedures.
Dentophobia (a fear of dentists) and general anxiety over procedures can cause some people to put off simple oral surgery for years or even decades. But doing so could put your health at risk. Whether you need to get your wisdom teeth taken out or have a dental implant put in, scheduling your procedure right when your dentist recommends it could mean you’re more likely to get it done.
5. Get regular dental cleanings
The ideal frequency for having your teeth cleaned by a dental professional is every six months. Failure to keep this schedule could mean dental issues go unidentified. And the longer oral health issues go untreated, the more severe they may be when you do finally seek care.
6. Brush and floss regularly
This advice can seem like a no-brainer, but regular brushing and flossing are some of the best ways to maintain a healthy smile. Dentists recommend brushing twice daily and flossing once daily for optimal results.
The bottom line
Caring for your dental health in Georgetown, TX can be as simple as watching what you eat and drink and getting regular dental check-ups. If you need more tips, a dental professional is the best resource to help you determine the best oral care routine to suit your lifestyle.
